Laundry treating apparatus

Abstract

This application discloses a garment processing device, comprising: a housing having a receiving chamber; multiple rollers spaced apart within the receiving chamber; multiple drain pipes disposed in the housing, each drain pipe corresponding to one of the rollers, one end of each drain pipe connected to a corresponding roller, and the other end of each drain pipe used to drain water from the corresponding roller; and a connecting structure disposed in and connected to the multiple drain pipes, the connecting structure being configured to maintain ventilation in the drain pipes during drainage. This garment processing device can prevent siphoning caused by the expulsion of internal air from the drain pipes while they are draining, thus preventing backflow of wastewater due to siphoning.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of clothing processing technology, and more particularly to a clothing processing device. Background Technology

[0002] Currently, after washing clothes using a garment cleaning device (such as a washing machine), the main drainage method involves the washing machine's drain pump sucking water from inside the drum and then draining it through the drain pipe. During the drainage process, the water flow expels air from the drain pipe. After drainage is complete, if the drain outlet of the drain pipe is submerged below the liquid surface, a siphon effect can easily occur, causing the drain pipe to siphon in wastewater, which then enters the drum and contaminates the clothes inside. Summary of the Invention

[0003] The garment processing device provided in this application can prevent siphoning during drainage of the drain pipe of the garment processing device, thus keeping the inside of the drum clean.

[0004] The first aspect of this application provides a garment handling apparatus, comprising:

[0005] The housing has a receiving chamber;

[0006] Multiple rollers are spaced apart in the receiving chamber;

[0007] Multiple drain pipes are provided in the housing, and each drain pipe corresponds to a different roller. One end of each drain pipe is connected to the corresponding roller, and the other end of each drain pipe is used to drain water from the corresponding roller.

[0008] A connecting structure is disposed in and connected to a plurality of the drain pipes, the connecting structure being configured to keep the drain pipes ventilated during the drainage process.

[0009] The garment processing device of this application, by providing a connecting structure on the drain pipes of multiple rollers, allows the multiple drain pipes to be interconnected. When the multiple rollers are draining, the connecting structure enables the drain pipes in the draining state to remain ventilated. In this way, it can prevent the siphon phenomenon from occurring in the drain pipes in the draining state due to the expulsion of internal air, and can prevent sewage backflow caused by the siphon phenomenon.

[0010] In one possible implementation, among the plurality of rollers, the drain pipe corresponding to at least one of the rollers drains after the drain pipes corresponding to the other rollers have finished draining, and the communication structure is configured to keep the drain pipes in the draining state and the drain pipes in the non-draining state in communication with each other.

[0011] By establishing a connecting structure to directly connect multiple drain pipes, and ensuring that at least one drain pipe corresponding to a given roller is not draining while multiple rollers are draining, the non-draining drain pipe can ventilate to the other drain pipes. In other words, by controlling the sequential drainage of multiple rollers, the connecting structure can connect internal pipes without relying on external air. This prevents siphoning in drain pipes during drainage and also prevents water from overflowing from the connecting structure to the outside of the pipes, thus preventing environmental contamination or equipment damage.

[0012] In one possible implementation, the plurality of rollers includes a first roller and a second roller, and the plurality of drain pipes includes a first drain pipe and a second drain pipe, wherein the first drain pipe is connected to the first roller and the second drain pipe is connected to the second roller.

[0013] In the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the first drain pipe is located above the connecting structure, and in the extension direction within the first drain pipe, the portion of the first drain pipe located above the connecting structure is disposed between the connecting structure and the first roller;

[0014] In the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the second drain pipe is located above the connecting structure, and in the extension direction within the second drain pipe, the portion of the second drain pipe located above the connecting structure is disposed between the connecting structure and the second roller.

[0015] By positioning the first and second drain pipes at least partially above the connecting structure, and with portions of the first and second drain pipes above the connecting structure positioned between the roller and the connecting structure along their respective extending directions, the water flow during drainage first passes the highest points of the first and second drain pipes before passing through the lower-height connecting structure. This ensures that the water flows naturally downwards after passing the highest points and does not flow in other directions. This prevents water from flowing through the connecting structure to the non-draining drain pipes and then backflowing into the roller, thus avoiding situations where the water level in the non-draining roller is too high, or where clothes in the drained roller are soaked.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the first drain pipe includes:

[0017] A first rising section is located in the receiving chamber, and one end of the first rising section is connected to the first roller;

[0018] A first descending section, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first ascending section, the other end of which extends out of the tank body for water discharge;

[0019] The second drain pipe includes:

[0020] The second rising section is located in the receiving chamber, and one end of the second rising section is connected to the second roller;

[0021] The second descending section has one end connected to the other end of the second ascending section, and the other end of the second descending section extends out of the tank body for water discharge.

[0022] In the height direction of the housing, the other end of the first ascending segment is located above the remainder of the first descending segment; one end of the second ascending segment is located above the remainder of the second descending segment; the connecting structure has opposite ends, one end of the connecting structure is connected to the first descending segment, and the other end of the connecting structure is connected to the second descending segment.

[0023] By setting the first and second drain pipes in sections, when setting up the drainage pipes, it is only necessary to ensure that the pipes in different sections can be connected to meet the drainage needs. The specific layout of the pipes can be flexibly set. In this way, the drainage pipes can be flexibly set according to the differences in the internal and external structure of the actual product and the environment, which facilitates the effective use of the internal and external space of the clothing processing device.

[0024] In one possible implementation, the first roller is provided with a first maximum water level, and the other end of the first rising section is higher than the first maximum water level in the height direction;

[0025] The second roller is provided with a second maximum water level, and the other end of the second rising section is higher than the second maximum water level in the height direction.

[0026] In a siphon effect, the pressure inside the siphon pipe decreases as the height increases. By making the other end of the first rising section higher than the first highest water level, under natural conditions, when the first drain pipe is full of water, the air in the water will automatically rise due to pressure. When the air accumulates at the other end of the first rising section, the accumulated air causes the water to break, thus preventing a siphon effect from occurring in the first drain pipe. Similarly, the second rising section, based on the same principle, has the same effect.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the first drain pipe further includes a first connecting section disposed on the housing, one end of the first connecting section being located in the receiving chamber and connected to the other end of the first rising section, and the other end of the first connecting section being located outside the receiving chamber and connected to one end of the first falling section, the first connecting section being used to connect the first rising section and the first falling section.

[0028] The second drain pipe also includes a second connecting section, which is disposed on the housing. One end of the second connecting section is located in the receiving chamber and connected to the other end of the second rising section. The other end of the second connecting section is located outside the receiving chamber and connected to one end of the second falling section. The second connecting section is used to connect the second rising section and the second falling section.

[0029] Since the descent section is outside the containment chamber, it is easily damaged by environmental factors. By setting up a connecting section, with one end inside the containment chamber and the other end outside, the ascending section connects to the connecting section inside the containment chamber, and the descent section connects to the connecting section outside the containment chamber. In this way, when the descent section of the drain pipe is damaged, it can be directly removed and replaced without disassembling the housing, which reduces the maintenance difficulty and cost of the clothing handling device.

[0030] In one possible implementation, the connecting structure is a connecting pipe, the connecting pipe comprising:

[0031] A first connecting segment, one end of which is connected to a drain pipe;

[0032] A reduced diameter section, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first connecting section;

[0033] The second connecting section has one end connected to the other end of the reduced diameter section and the other end connected to another drain pipe. The inner diameter of the reduced diameter section is smaller than the inner diameters of the first connecting section and the second connecting section.

[0034] By designing the connecting structure as a connecting pipe, the structure becomes simple. Furthermore, a portion of the connecting pipe is constructed as a narrowing section, meaning the inner diameter of the narrowing section is smaller than the connecting sections on both sides. By reducing the pipe diameter, if water flows inside the narrowing section, the flow velocity increases. According to Poiseuille's law, the frictional resistance of the water flow against the inner wall of the narrowing section increases with the flow velocity. The water will automatically flow towards the path of less resistance. Therefore, the water will continue to flow through the drain pipe and not through the narrowing section. In this way, while ensuring the ventilation function of the connecting pipe, the narrowing section also improves the water separation effect, preventing sewage in the drain pipe from entering other drain pipes.

[0035] In one possible implementation, the inner diameter of the first connecting segment and the inner diameter of the second connecting segment are both D1, and the inner diameter of the reduced-diameter segment is D2, and D1 and D2 satisfy the following relationship:

[0036] 0.2D1 < D2 < 0.8D1.

[0037] When 0.2D1 < D2 < 0.8D1, the inner diameter of the narrowing section is prevented from being too small, ensuring effective ventilation of the connecting pipe. Simultaneously, it effectively improves the water flow separation effect of the connecting structure, preventing sewage from flowing into the non-draining drain pipe. When 0.2D1 > D2, the diameter of the narrowing section is too small, resulting in low ventilation efficiency. When the drainage rate of the drain pipe is high, the airflow through the narrowing section is small, which may still cause a certain degree of negative pressure inside the drain pipe. This can cause some sewage to flow back into and remain in the drain pipe. When drainage occurs again through this drain pipe, the water flow from the roller may impact the sewage remaining in the drain pipe, leading to poor drainage. When 0.8D1 < D2, the diameter of the narrowing section is larger and the difference between it and the diameter of the drain pipe is smaller. The increase in water velocity in the narrowing section is not significant. Therefore, the resistance experienced by the water in the narrowing section is smaller than the resistance experienced in the drain pipe. In this case, water in the drain pipe may enter the narrowing section, affecting the ventilation effect of the narrowing section.

[0038] In one possible implementation, the connectivity structure includes:

[0039] Multiple water inlets, wherein the multiple water inlets are used to connect to the other end of the multiple drain pipes respectively;

[0040] The water outlet is connected to multiple water inlets and is used to discharge water from the multiple rollers.

[0041] By setting multiple water inlets and one water outlet on the connecting structure, the structure allows for ventilation while multiple drain pipes can drain water through the outlet. This reduces the number of external drain pipes in the garment processing device, simplifies its structure, and lowers assembly difficulty and production costs. Furthermore, integrating the outlets of multiple drain pipes into a single unit allows for better adaptation to practical application scenarios, as buildings typically only provide one pre-installed drain outlet (such as a floor drain) for garment processing devices.

[0042] A second aspect of this application also provides a garment processing apparatus, the garment processing apparatus comprising:

[0043] The housing has a receiving chamber;

[0044] Multiple rollers are spaced apart in the receiving chamber;

[0045] Multiple drain pipes are provided in the housing, and each drain pipe corresponds to a different roller. One end of each drain pipe is connected to the corresponding roller, and the other end of each drain pipe is used to drain water from the corresponding roller.

[0046] A connecting structure is provided on a plurality of drain pipes. The connecting structure has opposing connecting ends and venting ends. The connecting ends connect to the plurality of drain pipes, and the venting ends are used to allow air to enter the plurality of drain pipes.

[0047] Multiple drain pipes are connected by a connecting structure, which includes a connecting end and a venting end. The connecting end connects to the multiple drain pipes, allowing air to enter them. Thus, when the drain pipes are draining, air can enter through the venting and connecting ends of the connecting structure, keeping the drain pipes ventilated and preventing negative pressure after drainage. This avoids siphoning and prevents sewage from flowing back into the drum.

[0048] Compared with the prior art, the beneficial effects of this application are as follows:

[0049] The garment processing device of this application, by providing a connecting structure on the drain pipes of multiple rollers, allows the multiple drain pipes to be interconnected. When the multiple rollers are draining, the connecting structure enables the drain pipes in the draining state to remain ventilated. In this way, it can prevent the siphon phenomenon from occurring in the drain pipes that are draining because the internal air is expelled, and can prevent sewage backflow caused by the siphon phenomenon. Attached Figure Description

[0050] Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the clothing processing device according to an embodiment of this application;

[0051] Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the drain pipe and connecting structure of the garment processing device shown;

[0052] Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the communicating structure with a ventilation end in the embodiment of this application;

[0053] Figure 4 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a fan installed in the connected structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0054] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the communicating structure and the roller in an embodiment of this application;

[0055] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connected structure with a narrowed section in an embodiment of this application;

[0056] Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an inverted U-shaped connected structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0057] Figure 8This is a schematic diagram of a structure in which the connected structure is arc-shaped in an embodiment of this application;

[0058] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an Ω-shaped connected structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0059] Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in this application where the connected structure is an elliptical arc.

[0060] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a serpentine bend in the connecting structure of an embodiment of this application;

[0061] Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-port pipe fitting as the connecting structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0062] Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the drain pipe of the clothing processing device according to an embodiment of this application when it has a double roller;

[0063] Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment in the embodiments of this application;

[0064] Figure 15 yes Figure 13 A rear view of the garment handling device shown.

[0065] Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first and second drainage pumps in the embodiments of this application;

[0066] Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rear side panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0067] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0068] Clothing processing device 100;

[0069] Box 110, receiving chamber 111, rear side panel 112, maintenance window 112a, cover 112b;

[0070] Roller 120, first roller 121, second roller 122;

[0071] Drain pipe 130, first drain pipe 131, first rising section 131a, first falling section 131b, first connecting section 131c, second drain pipe 132, second rising section 132a, second falling section 132b, second connecting section 132c.

[0072] Connecting structure 140, ventilation end 141, fan 142, first connecting section 143, diameter reduction section 144, second connecting section 145, water inlet end 146, water outlet end 147.

[0073] First drainage pump 151, second drainage pump 152;

[0074] The height direction is H. Detailed Implementation

[0075] The technical solutions of the embodiments of this application will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of this application, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of this application, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of this application.

[0076] In this application, the terms "upper," "rear," "inner," "outer," and "middle," etc., indicate orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. These terms are primarily for the purpose of better describing the invention and its embodiments, and are not intended to limit the indicated device, element, or component to having a specific orientation, or to be constructed and operated in a specific orientation.

[0077] Furthermore, in addition to indicating location or positional relationship, some of the aforementioned terms may also have other meanings. For example, the term "above" may also be used in some cases to indicate a certain dependency or connection relationship. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0078] Furthermore, the terms "setup" and "connection" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable link, or an integral structure; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection via an intermediate medium, or an internal connection between two devices, components, or parts. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of these terms in this application based on the specific circumstances.

[0079] Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," etc., are primarily used to distinguish different devices, elements, or components (which may be the same or different in specific type and construction), and are not intended to indicate or imply the relative importance or quantity of the indicated devices, elements, or components. Unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more.

[0080] During the draining process after washing clothes, air is expelled from the drain pipe of a garment handling device (such as a washing machine), and a negative pressure state exists inside the drain pipe when draining ends. If the outlet end of the drain pipe is submerged below the liquid surface, the drain pipe will siphon wastewater, causing the wastewater to flow back into the drum, resulting in contamination of the drum and the clothes inside.

[0081] Because siphoning is affected by atmospheric pressure, the backflow height of water during siphoning is limited when the pipe diameter is fixed. Therefore, theoretically, the height difference between the highest point of the drain pipe and the external liquid surface can be increased to prevent sewage from entering the drum during siphoning. Alternatively, the distance between the drain pipe outlet and the ground can be raised so that the outlet is higher than the external liquid surface (e.g., the liquid surface in a floor drain), creating a certain distance between the outlet and the external liquid surface. After the drain pipe has drained all the water, air can be directly introduced into the drain pipe, thus preventing siphoning.

[0082] However, increasing the height difference between the highest point of the drain pipe and the external liquid surface requires raising the highest point of the drain pipe as much as possible. This significantly increases the dimensions of the clothing handling device in the vertical direction, not only increasing the space occupied by the device but also failing to adequately prevent wastewater from entering the drum during siphoning. Furthermore, raising the outlet of the drain pipe above the external liquid surface can easily cause splashing during drainage, leading to environmental pollution, and the water flow impacting the liquid surface also generates considerable noise.

[0083] This shows that the problem of preventing siphoning in clothing handling devices still needs to be solved.

[0084] In view of this, embodiments of this application provide a garment processing device that connects multiple drain pipes by providing a connecting structure on the drain pipes of multiple rollers. Thus, when the multiple rollers are draining, the connecting structure allows the drain pipes in the draining state to remain ventilated. This prevents siphoning caused by the expulsion of internal air from the drain pipes, thereby preventing backflow of sewage due to siphoning.

[0085] It should be noted that the clothing handling device of this application can take many different forms. For example, it can be a washing machine, a dryer, a washer-dryer combo, etc. When the clothing handling device is a washing machine, it can be a front-loading washing machine, a top-loading washing machine, etc. In addition, the washing machine can also be a single-drum washing machine or a multi-drum washing machine.

[0086] That is, the clothing handling device of this application involves multiple drums. If the clothing handling device is a washing machine, then all of the multiple drums can be used to wash clothes. Alternatively, if the clothing handling device is a washer-dryer combo, then some of the multiple drums can be used to wash clothes, and other drums can be used to dry clothes; or, all the drums can be used to wash and dry clothes, and different drums can execute the same program at the same time, or they can execute different programs at the same time.

[0087] It is understandable that when the garment handling device involves multiple drums, the multiple drums can operate simultaneously or independently. For example, while at least one drum is performing a washing or rinsing program, at least one drum may be performing a spin-drying or drying program, or at least one drum may be in standby mode and not performing any program.

[0088] The technical solution of this application will be further described below with reference to the embodiments and accompanying drawings.

[0089] Please see Figures 1 to 2 , Figure 1 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the clothing processing device according to an embodiment of this application. Figure 2 yes Figure 1 A three-dimensional structural diagram of the drain pipe and connecting structure of the garment processing device shown.

[0090] The garment processing device 100 provided in this application embodiment includes a housing 110, multiple rollers 120, multiple drain pipes 130, and a connecting structure 140.

[0091] The specific structure of the garment processing device will be described below with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0092] In some embodiments, the housing 110 has a receiving chamber 111, in which multiple rollers 120 are disposed and spaced apart from each other. Multiple drain pipes 130 are disposed in the housing 110, and the multiple drain pipes 130 are respectively disposed corresponding to the multiple rollers 120. One end of the drain pipe 130 is connected to the roller 120, and the other end is used to drain the water in the corresponding roller 120.

[0093] The connecting structure 140 is disposed on and connected to the multiple drain pipes 130. During the drainage process of the drain pipes 130, the connecting structure 140 keeps the drain pipes 130 ventilated.

[0094] With this configuration, when the drain pipe 130 is draining water, even if the air inside the drain pipe 130 is expelled by the water flow, air can still be continuously introduced into the drain pipe 130 through the connecting structure 140, which connects to the outside of the drain pipe 130. This prevents the drain pipe 130 from experiencing a siphon effect due to the expulsion of internal air, thus preventing backflow of sewage caused by siphoning and protecting the roller 120 and the clothes inside from sewage contamination.

[0095] See also Figures 3 to 5 , Figure 3 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the communicating structure with a ventilation end in an embodiment of this application. Figure 4This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of a connected structure with a fan in an embodiment of this application. Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the connection between the communicating structure and the roller in an embodiment of this application.

[0096] In some embodiments, the connecting structure 140 has a vent end 141 that can communicate with the external environment. In this way, external air can enter the drain pipe 130 through the vent end 141, keeping the drain pipe 130 ventilated and thus preventing siphoning.

[0097] Understandably, the connecting structure 140 also has a connecting end (not shown), which is connected to multiple drain pipes 130, so that the multiple drain pipes 130 are connected to the connecting structure 140.

[0098] One example is that the vent can be connected to the external environment by, for example, extending the vent to the outside of the enclosure, so that the port of the vent is exposed.

[0099] In another exemplary embodiment, the vent 141 may also be equipped with a fan 142, which blows outside air into the connecting structure 140, thereby allowing the air to enter the drain pipe 130 and improving the anti-siphon effect.

[0100] It is understandable that when the vent is connected to the fan, the vent can be located inside or outside the housing, and correspondingly, the fan can be installed inside or outside the housing.

[0101] In some further examples, the vent 141 of the connecting structure 140 can be connected to at least one roller 120, utilizing the air inside the roller 120 to achieve anti-siphoning. It is understood that the connecting structure 140 can be connected to the top of the roller 120 along the height direction H, so that the working state of the roller 120 connected to the connecting structure 140 will not affect the normal venting of the connecting structure 140. That is, the roller 120 connected to the connecting structure 140 can be in a state of incomplete drainage, drainage in progress, or complete drainage.

[0102] Furthermore, when the connecting structure 140 connects at least one roller 120 and utilizes the air inside the roller 120 to achieve anti-siphon, even if water from the drain pipe 130 corresponding to the roller 120 that is draining enters the drain pipe 130 corresponding to the roller 120 that is not draining through the connecting structure 140, this water either enters the roller 120 that is not draining or remains in the drain pipe 130 corresponding to the roller 120 that is not draining, preventing sewage from overflowing outside the roller 120. Moreover, when the roller 120 that was not draining originally begins to drain, the water remaining in the intended drain pipe 130 can also be discharged. In this way, sewage will not leak out, causing environmental contamination or damage to the internal components of the clothing handling device 100.

[0103] It should be noted that the laundry handling unit 100 with washing function usually has a maximum water level limit. That is, the water level / inlet volume inside the drum 120 is recommended not to exceed or must not exceed a certain value. In the height direction H, this water level / inlet volume relative to the height of the drum 120 is the maximum water level. Taking a washing machine as an example, the design of the maximum water level usually considers several factors, such as the maximum load / rated load of the motor. In other words, it is necessary to consider whether the weight of the drum 120, the clothes inside the drum, and the water is within the load range that the motor can operate normally. Alternatively, it is necessary to consider the specific specifications of the drum 120; for a specific drum 120, its allowable or recommended inlet volume is also limited. For drum washing machines, since the drum 120 is placed horizontally or at an angle, the height of the connection between the drum 120 and the motor shaft must also be considered when designing the maximum water level. The maximum water level is usually designed not to exceed the connection position of the drum 120 and the motor shaft in the height direction H to avoid leakage. For example, in an 8kg model, the water level is usually designed to be below 10L to avoid submerging the drum shaft and causing water leakage from the bearings.

[0104] The following example uses a drum washing machine as an example of a clothes processing device. In this case, the highest water level of the drum of the clothes processing device is no more than the height at the connection between the drum and the motor shaft.

[0105] In some embodiments, in the height direction H of the garment handling device 100 (see...) Figure 2 On the vent, the connection position between the vent end 141 and the roller 120 can be higher than the highest water level of the corresponding roller 120. This can prevent water in the roller 120 from entering the connecting structure 140, thereby preventing the venting function of the connecting structure 140 from being affected.

[0106] In some embodiments, the connecting structure 140 may not have a vent end 141, but instead be directly connected to multiple drain pipes 130. During drainage, at least one drain pipe 130 corresponding to the roller 120 will drain water after the other drain pipes 130 have finished draining. This simplifies the overall structure of the connecting structure 140. During the drainage process of the other drain pipes 130, air in the drain pipes 130 that are not draining can enter these drain pipes 130 after the drain pipes are draining, thus reducing or preventing siphoning in these drain pipes 130. Simultaneously, since the connecting structure 140 does not have a vent end 141, water can be prevented from overflowing from the vent end 141 to the outside of the drain pipes 130, thereby preventing sewage pollution of the environment or damage to equipment.

[0107] When the drain pipe 130 on one side of the connecting structure 140 is draining water, while the drain pipe 130 on the other side is not draining water, the internal flow velocity of the drain pipe 130 in the draining state is greater than that of the drain pipe 130 in the non-draining state due to the flow of water. As a result, the internal pressure of the drain pipe 130 in the draining state is lower than that of the drain pipe 130 in the non-draining state. Thus, the water in the drain pipe 130 in the draining state usually does not flow through the connecting structure 140 to the other drain pipe 130.

[0108] It should be noted that the following description uses the example of the connecting structure 140 without a vent 141, but it does not mean that the following related settings are only applicable to this example.

[0109] In some embodiments, in the height direction H, the drain pipe 130 is at least partially located above the connecting structure 140, and along the extension direction of the drain pipe 130, the portion of the drain pipe 130 above the connecting structure 140 is located between the roller 120 and the connecting structure 140, that is, the portion of the drain pipe 130 above the connecting structure 140 extends downward between the portion of the drain pipe 130 above the connecting structure 140 and the connecting structure 140. In other words, during drainage, the water flow first passes through the portion of the drain pipe 130 above the connecting structure 140, and then flows through the location of the connecting structure 140. Thus, the water flow in the connecting structure 140 is from top to bottom, and normally does not enter the connecting structure 140. Even if the water flow enters the connecting structure 140 and enters the non-draining drain pipe 130 from the connecting structure 140, due to gravity, the water will naturally flow downward, thereby preventing backflow from the non-draining drain pipe 130 into the roller 120.

[0110] In a siphon effect, the pressure inside the siphon pipe decreases as the height increases. Therefore, in some embodiments, at least a portion of the drain pipe 130 is higher than the highest water level of the corresponding drum 120 in the height direction H. Thus, under natural conditions, when the drain pipe 130 is filled with water, the air in the water will automatically rise due to pressure. When the air accumulates to the highest point of the drain pipe 130, the accumulated air causes the water inside the drain pipe 130 to break, thereby preventing a siphon effect from occurring within the drain pipe 130. In this way, by appropriately increasing the height of the drain pipe 130 so that the highest part of the drain pipe 130 can naturally accumulate air, backflow caused by the siphon effect can be limited, preventing backflowing sewage from entering the drum 120.

[0111] In some embodiments, the connecting structure 140 is a connecting pipe, that is, a pipe is used to achieve mutual connection between different drain pipes 130, which is simple in structure and easy to implement.

[0112] Optionally, the connecting pipe can be a straight pipe, a bend, or a combination of straight and bend pipes. Setting the connecting structure 140 as a straight pipe and / or a bend pipe results in a simple structure and smaller size, which helps to achieve the miniaturization design of the garment processing device 100. Furthermore, the straight or bend pipe can be made of standard parts, which can reduce the manufacturing difficulty and cost of the garment processing device 100 and facilitate the large-scale production of the garment processing device 100.

[0113] See Figures 6 to 10 , Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the connected structure with a narrowed section in an embodiment of this application. Figure 7 This is a schematic diagram of an inverted U-shaped connected structure in an embodiment of this application. Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in this application where the connected structure is arc-shaped. Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of an Ω-shaped connected structure in an embodiment of this application. Figure 10 This is a schematic diagram of a structure in this application where the connected structure is an elliptical arc. Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of a serpentine bend in the connecting structure of an embodiment of this application.

[0114] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe includes a first connecting section 143 and a reduced-diameter section 144. One end of the first connecting section 143 is connected to a drain pipe 130, and the other end of the first connecting section 143 is connected to one end of the reduced-diameter section 144. The other end of the reduced-diameter section 144 is connected to another drain pipe 130 adjacent to the aforementioned drain pipe 130. The inner diameter of the reduced-diameter section 144 is smaller than the inner diameter of the first connecting section 143. According to Poiseuille's law, when the water flow is turbulent, the frictional resistance ΔP between the water flow and the pipe wall is related to the water flow velocity v. 2 The relationship between them is: ΔP∝υ 2 In other words, reducing the pipe diameter increases the water flow velocity, which in turn increases the frictional resistance ΔP. Increased frictional resistance reduces the water flow rate. More specifically, the water will automatically flow along the path of least resistance. Because the inner diameter of the narrowed section 144 is reduced, the resistance encountered by the water flow when passing through the narrowed section 144 is greater than when flowing in the drain pipe 130. Therefore, the water flow will not actually pass through the narrowed section 144 and will remain in the drain pipe 130. Thus, by utilizing the narrowed section 144, the water flow entering other drain pipes 130 through the connecting structure 140 can be reduced or blocked, strengthening the separating effect of the connecting pipe on the water flow and reducing the amount of sewage in the drain pipe 130 in the draining state entering other drain pipes 130.

[0115] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the first connecting section 143 is D1, and the inner diameter of the reduced diameter section 144 is D2, with D1 and D2 satisfying the relationship: 0.2D1 < D2 < 0.8D1. This avoids the reduced diameter section 144 having an excessively small inner diameter, ensuring effective ventilation of the connecting pipe. Simultaneously, it improves the water flow separation effect of the connecting structure 140, preventing sewage from flowing into the non-draining drain pipe 130. When 0.2D1 > D2, the diameter of the reduced diameter section 144 is too small, resulting in low ventilation efficiency. When the drainage rate of the drain pipe 130 is high, the airflow through the reduced diameter section 144 is small, which may still cause a certain degree of negative pressure inside the drain pipe 130. This can cause some sewage to flow back into and remain in the drain pipe 130. When drainage occurs again through the drain pipe 130, the water flow from the roller 120 may impact the sewage remaining in the drain pipe 130, leading to poor drainage. When 0.8D1 < D2, the diameter of the narrowing section 144 is relatively large, and the difference between it and the diameter of the drain pipe 130 is small. The increase in water velocity in the narrowing section 144 is not significant. Therefore, the resistance experienced by the water in the narrowing section 144 is similar to the resistance experienced in the drain pipe 130. In this case, water in the drain pipe 130 may enter the narrowing section 144, affecting the ventilation effect of the narrowing section 144.

[0116] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe further includes a second connecting section 145, one end of which is connected to the other end of the reduced diameter section 144, and the other end of which is connected to the adjacent drain pipe 130. In this way, when the adjacent drain pipe 130 is draining water, the connecting pipe can also improve the water flow separation effect of the drain pipe 130, preventing water from entering other drain pipes 130.

[0117] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the second connecting section 145 is D3, and D2 and D3 satisfy the relationship: 0.2D3 < D2 < 0.8D3. Similarly, this avoids the inner diameter of the reduced diameter section 144 being too small, ensuring effective ventilation of the connecting pipe. At the same time, it can better improve the water flow separation effect of the connecting structure 140, preventing sewage from flowing into the non-draining drain pipe 130. When 0.2D3 > D2, the diameter of the reduced diameter section 144 is too small, resulting in low ventilation efficiency. When the drainage rate of the drain pipe 130 is high, the air flow through the reduced diameter section 144 is small, which may still cause a certain degree of negative pressure inside the drain pipe 130. This can cause some sewage to flow back into and remain in the drain pipe 130. When drainage is subsequently carried out through the drain pipe 130, the water flow discharged from the roller 120 may impact the sewage remaining in the drain pipe 130, leading to poor drainage. When 0.8D1 < D2, the diameter of the narrowing section 144 is relatively large, and the difference between it and the diameter of the drain pipe 130 is small. The increase in water velocity in the narrowing section 144 is not significant. Therefore, the resistance experienced by the water in the narrowing section 144 is similar to the resistance experienced in the drain pipe 130. In this case, water in the drain pipe 130 may enter the narrowing section 144, affecting the ventilation effect of the narrowing section 144.

[0118] In some embodiments, when a bend is used as the connecting pipe, the connecting pipe can bend upwards between two adjacent drain pipes 130. For example, between two adjacent drain pipes 130, one end of the connecting pipe is connected to one drain pipe 130, and the other end of the connecting pipe is connected to the other drain pipe 130. The portion of the connecting pipe between the two ends is arranged in an inverted U-shape, an arc shape, or an Ω-shape. This arrangement can better improve the water flow separation effect of the connecting pipe.

[0119] In other embodiments, the connecting pipe can also be configured as a serpentine bend in the vertical direction H. Specifically, the connecting pipe extends upward along the vertical direction H and then bends, and extends downward along the vertical direction H and then bends, presenting an alternating U-shaped and inverted U-shaped form. This configuration can also improve the water flow separation effect of the connecting pipe.

[0120] It is understandable that when there are more than two drain pipes 130, the connecting structure 140 can also be a combination of the above-mentioned shapes.

[0121] See also Figure 12 , Figure 12 This is a schematic diagram of a multi-way pipe fitting as the connecting structure in an embodiment of this application.

[0122] In some embodiments, the connecting structure 140 can be configured as a multi-port pipe. For example, the connecting structure 140 has multiple inlet ends 146 and one outlet end 147. The multiple inlet ends 146 are connected to the ends of multiple drain pipes 130 away from the corresponding rollers 120, and the outlet end 147 is used to discharge water from the drain pipes 130. In this way, while the connecting structure 140 provides ventilation, the multiple drain pipes 130 can also drain water using the outlet end 147 of the connecting structure 140, which can reduce the number of drain pipes 130 outside the garment processing device 100, simplify the structure of the garment processing device 100, and reduce the assembly difficulty and production cost of the garment processing device 100.

[0123] See also Figure 13 , Figure 13 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the drain pipe of the garment processing device according to an embodiment of this application when it has two rollers. The garment processing device includes two rollers as an example. Of course, in other embodiments, the garment processing device 100 may also have two or more rollers 120, and correspondingly, the number of drain pipes 130 can be increased or decreased depending on the number of rollers 120.

[0124] In some embodiments, the roller 120 may include a first roller 121 and a second roller 122, and a plurality of drain pipes 130 may correspond to a first drain pipe 131 and a second drain pipe 132. The first drain pipe 131 is connected to the first roller 121 to drain water inside the first roller 121, and the second drain pipe 132 is connected to the second roller 122 to drain water inside the second roller 122.

[0125] Understandably, in the height direction H, both the first drain pipe 131 and the second drain pipe 132 are partially located above the connecting structure 140.

[0126] For example, the first drain pipe 131 includes a first rising section 131a and a first descending section 131b. The first rising section 131a is located in the receiving chamber 111. One end of the first rising section 131a is connected to the first roller 121, and the other end extends upward along the height direction H and is connected to one end of the first descending section 131b. The other end of the first descending section 131b extends downward along the height direction H out of the tank 110 for water discharge.

[0127] The second drain pipe 132 includes a second rising section 132a and a second falling section 132b. The second rising section 132a is located in the receiving chamber 111. One end of the second rising section 132a is connected to the second roller 122, and the other end extends upward along the height direction H and is connected to one end of the second falling section 132b. The other end of the second falling section 132b extends downward along the height direction H out of the tank 110 for water discharge.

[0128] It is understood that the first roller 121 has a first highest water level, and the other end of the first rising section 131a is higher than the first highest water level of the first roller 121 in the height direction H. The second roller 122 has a second highest water level, and the other end of the second rising section 132a is higher than the second highest water level of the second roller 122 in the height direction H. The first highest water level and the second highest water level may be the same or different.

[0129] It is understandable that the definitions of the first and second highest water levels refer to the aforementioned definition of the highest water level for drum washing machines, and will not be repeated here.

[0130] The connecting structure 140 has two opposite ends. One end of the connecting structure 140 is connected to the first descending segment 131b, and the other end of the connecting structure 140 is connected to the second descending segment 132b. Thus, the end where the first ascending segment 131a and the first descending segment 131b are connected, as well as the end where the second ascending segment 132a and the second descending segment 132b are connected, are both located above the connecting structure 140.

[0131] By setting the first drain pipe 131 and the second drain pipe 132 in sections, when setting up the drainage pipes, it is only necessary to ensure that the pipes in different sections can be connected to meet the drainage needs. The specific layout of the pipes can be flexibly set. In this way, the drainage pipes can be flexibly set according to the differences in the internal and external structure and environment of the actual product, which facilitates the effective use of the internal and external space of the clothing treatment device 100.

[0132] See also Figure 14 and Figure 15 , Figure 14 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first connecting segment and the second connecting segment in the embodiments of this application. Figure 15 yes Figure 13 The diagram shows a rear view of the garment processing device.

[0133] In some embodiments, the first drain pipe 131 further includes a first connecting section 131c disposed on the housing 110. One end of the first connecting section 131c is located in the receiving chamber 111 and connected to the other end of the first rising section 131a. The other end of the first connecting section 131c is located outside the receiving chamber 111 and connected to one end of the first descending section 131b. That is, the first rising section 131a and the first descending section 131b are connected and communicate with each other through the first connecting section 131c.

[0134] Similarly, the second drain pipe 132 also includes a second connecting section 132c disposed on the housing 110. One end of the second connecting section 132c is located in the receiving chamber 111 and connected to the other end of the second rising section 132a. The other end of the second connecting section 132c is located outside the receiving chamber 111 and connected to one end of the second descending section 132b. That is, the second rising section 132a and the second descending section 132b are connected and communicate with each other through the second connecting section 132c.

[0135] Since the first descending section 131b and the second descending section 132b are located outside the receiving chamber 111, they are easily damaged by environmental factors. By setting a first connecting section 131c and a second connecting section 132c, with one end of each section located inside the receiving chamber 111 and the other end outside, and a first ascending section 131a and a second ascending section 132a respectively connected to the first connecting section 131c and the second connecting section 132c inside the receiving chamber 111, and a first descending section 131b and a second descending section 132b respectively connected to the first connecting section 131c and the second connecting section 132c outside the receiving chamber 111, the maintenance difficulty and cost of the clothing handling device 100 can be reduced when the first descending section 131b and / or the second descending section 132b are damaged.

[0136] It is understandable that the first connecting section 131c and the second connecting section 132c can be considered as the highest parts of the first drain pipe 131 and the second drain pipe 132 in the height direction H, respectively, with a height of h1 in the height direction H. In this case, the positions of the first connecting section 131c and the second connecting section 132c are higher than the highest water level h2 of the first roller 121 and the second roller 122, respectively. This effectively limits backflow caused by siphoning and prevents backflowing sewage from entering the first roller 121 and the second roller 122. It should be noted that the highest water level h2 here is not higher than the connection point between the roller 120 and the shaft in the height direction H.

[0137] In some embodiments, the garment handling device 100 further includes a first rotating shaft (not shown), which is coaxially arranged and connected to the first roller 121. The first rotating shaft is used to drive the first roller 121 to rotate. In this case, the highest water level inside the first roller 121 can be set at a position not higher than the connection between the first rotating shaft and the first roller 121. Since the connection between the first rotating shaft and the first roller 121 is a shaft and hole fit, setting the highest water level inside the first roller 121 at a position not higher than the connection between the two can effectively prevent water leakage. Furthermore, by setting the first connecting section 131c above the connection position between the first rotating shaft and the first roller 121 along the height direction H, it can be ensured that the first connecting section 131c is above the highest water level of the first roller 121.

[0138] Similarly, the garment handling device 100 also includes a second rotating shaft (not shown), which is coaxially arranged and connected to the second roller 122. The second rotating shaft is used to drive the second roller 122 to rotate. At this time, the highest water level inside the second roller 122 can be set at a position not higher than the connection point between the second rotating shaft and the second roller 122. The second connecting section 132c is positioned above the connection point between the second rotating shaft and the second roller 122 along the height direction H, ensuring that the second connecting section 132c is above the highest water level of the second roller 122.

[0139] In some embodiments, to facilitate the drainage of water inside the first roller 121 and the second roller 122, the first drain pipe 131 can be connected to the first roller 121 at the lower side of the first roller 121, and the second drain pipe 132 can be connected to the second roller 122 at the lower side of the second roller 122.

[0140] See also Figure 16 , Figure 16 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the first drainage pump and the second drainage pump in the embodiments of this application.

[0141] In some embodiments, a first drain pump 151 may be provided between the first rising section 131a and the first roller 121. One end of the first drain pump 151 is connected to the first roller 121 via a pipe, and the other end is connected to the first rising section 131a. The first drain pump 151 can pump water in the first roller 121 to the first drain pipe 131. Similarly, a second drain pump 152 may be provided between the second rising section 132a and the second roller 122. One end of the second drain pump 152 is connected to the second roller 122 via a pipe, and the other end is connected to the second rising section 132a. The second drain pump 152 can pump water in the second roller 122 to the second drain pipe 132.

[0142] It is understandable that, since the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 will vibrate to a certain extent relative to the housing 110 when they rotate, the vibration of the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 will cause them to displace relative to the housing 110. Therefore, the first drain pump 151 and the first roller 121, as well as the second drain pump 152 and the second roller 122, can be connected by pipes with a certain deformation margin, such as rubber hoses and corrugated pipes, to meet the stroke requirements of the first roller 121 and the second roller 122 during use.

[0143] See also Figure 17 , Figure 17 This is a three-dimensional structural diagram of the rear side panel according to an embodiment of this application.

[0144] In some embodiments, the housing 110 further includes a rear side plate 112, and the first drain pump 151 and the second drain pump 152 may be disposed inside the rear side plate 112.

[0145] In some embodiments, two maintenance windows 112a may be provided on the rear side panel 112 at positions corresponding to the first roller 121 and the second roller 122. The two maintenance windows 112a are covered by corresponding cover plates 112b, which are detachably connected to the rear side panel 112. With this configuration, when some components inside the garment processing device 100 require maintenance, the internal structure of the garment processing device 100 can be exposed by removing the cover plates 112b, without having to completely disassemble the entire rear side panel 112, thus reducing the maintenance difficulty of the garment processing device 100.

[0146] The clothing processing device provided in the embodiments of the present invention has been described in detail above. Specific examples have been used to illustrate the principle and implementation of the present invention. The description of the above embodiments is only for the purpose of helping to understand the idea of ​​the present invention. There may be changes in the specific implementation and application scope. Therefore, the content of this specification should not be construed as a limitation of the present invention.

Claims

1. A garment processing device, characterized in that, include: The housing has a receiving chamber; Multiple rollers are spaced apart in the receiving chamber; Multiple drain pipes are provided in the housing, and each drain pipe corresponds to a different roller. One end of each drain pipe is connected to the corresponding roller, and the other end of each drain pipe is used to drain water from the corresponding roller. A connecting structure is disposed in and connected to a plurality of the drain pipes, the connecting structure being configured to keep the drain pipes ventilated during the drainage process.

2. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, In the plurality of rollers, the drain pipe corresponding to at least one roller drains water after the drain pipes corresponding to the other rollers have finished draining water, and the communication structure is configured to connect the drain pipe in the draining state and the drain pipe in the non-draining state to each other.

3. The garment processing device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The plurality of rollers includes a first roller and a second roller; The plurality of said drain pipes include: The first drain pipe is connected to the first roller; The second drain pipe is connected to the second roller; In the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the first drain pipe is located above the connecting structure, and in the extension direction of the first drain pipe, the portion of the first drain pipe located above the connecting structure is disposed between the connecting structure and the first roller; In the height direction of the housing, at least a portion of the second drain pipe is located above the connecting structure, and in the extension direction of the second drain pipe, the portion of the second drain pipe located above the connecting structure is disposed between the connecting structure and the second roller.

4. The garment processing device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The first drain pipe includes: A first rising section is located in the receiving chamber, and one end of the first rising section is connected to the first roller; A first descending section, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first ascending section, the other end of which extends out of the tank body for water discharge; The second drain pipe includes: The second rising section is located in the receiving chamber, and one end of the second rising section is connected to the second roller; The second descending section has one end connected to the other end of the second ascending section, and the other end of the second descending section extends out of the tank body for water discharge. In the height direction of the housing, one end of the first ascending segment is located above the other end of the first descending segment, and one end of the second ascending segment is located above the other end of the second descending segment. One end of the connecting structure is connected to the first descending segment, and the other end of the connecting structure is connected to the second descending segment.

5. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first roller has a first maximum water level, and the other end of the first rising section is higher than the first maximum water level in the height direction; The second roller has a second highest water level, and the other end of the second rising section is higher than the second highest water level in the height direction.

6. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 4, characterized in that, The first drain pipe also includes: A first connecting section is disposed on the housing. One end of the first connecting section is located in the receiving chamber and connected to the other end of the first rising section. The other end of the first connecting section is located outside the receiving chamber and connected to one end of the first descending section. The first connecting section is used to connect the first rising section and the first descending section. The second drain pipe also includes: The second connecting section is disposed on the housing. One end of the second connecting section is located in the receiving chamber and connected to the other end of the second rising section. The other end of the second connecting section is located outside the receiving chamber and connected to one end of the second falling section. The second connecting section is used to connect the second rising section and the second falling section.

7. The garment handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The communication structure includes a communication pipe; The connecting pipe includes: A first connecting segment, one end of which is connected to a drain pipe; A reduced diameter section, one end of which is connected to the other end of the first connecting section; The second connecting section has one end connected to the other end of the reduced diameter section and the other end connected to another drain pipe. The inner diameter of the reduced diameter section is smaller than the inner diameters of the first connecting section and the second connecting section.

8. The garment processing apparatus according to claim 7, characterized in that, The inner diameter of the first connecting section and the inner diameter of the second connecting end are both D1, and the inner diameter of the reduced diameter section is D2. D1 and D2 satisfy the following relationship: 0.2D1 < D2 < 0.8D1.

9. The garment handling apparatus according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, The connectivity structure includes: Multiple water inlets, wherein the multiple water inlets are used to connect to the other end of the multiple drain pipes respectively; The water outlet is connected to multiple water inlets and is used to discharge water from the multiple rollers.

10. A garment processing device, characterized in that, The garment processing device includes: The housing has a receiving chamber; Multiple rollers are spaced apart in the receiving chamber; Multiple drain pipes are provided in the housing, and each drain pipe corresponds to a different roller. One end of each drain pipe is connected to the corresponding roller, and the other end of each drain pipe is used to drain water from the corresponding roller. A connecting structure is provided on a plurality of drain pipes. The connecting structure has opposing connecting ends and venting ends. The connecting ends connect to the plurality of drain pipes, and the venting ends are used to allow air to enter the plurality of drain pipes.

Images